Ever heard of deep root fertilization? It's a common process of providing nutrients and other beneficial elements to plants, trees and shrubs at the root zone. It's the opposite of a foliar or a granular topdress application and can help the plants get the nutrients they depend on right where they need it the most.
How Does DRF Work?
Our resident guru, Rob Garcia, has created an entire write-up about this topic that we believe you'll find very interesting. In that write-up, you'll find several different programs for ornamental applications whether it's for ornamental deep root, ornamental organic deep root applications or for including insecticides to include in the mix.
In this blog, we'll briefly discuss deep root fertilization for trees. It works by using an applicator injected into the root zone. It provides several benefits, such as using less material and decreasing run-off. It will also ensure that the nutrients go right to the tree's roots and not escape into the atmosphere or far from the application area.
Some of the most common benefits include:
- The nutrients don't have to be broken down and solubilized like granular applications.
- There's no need to wait for irrigation or rainfall to move the nutrients into the root zone.
- Treatments can include several products in one without the need for multiple applications.
- It can aerate compacted soil and improve the overall soil structure.
What Does DRF Contain?
A DRF application may contain a variety of traditional nutrients for the trees, as well as soil conditioners and amino acids for tree health. An application may also include beneficial fungi to combat existing or future diseases.
However, it's important to speak with a tree care expert before deep root feeding your trees. Sometimes it would be best to apply surface fertilization or drenching instead, especially if you have denser planting areas or perhaps smaller perennials or annuals that don't have large root systems to take in those nutritional applications.
If that's the case, it may be necessary to modify the tank mix to include a foliar-absorbed product to help the trees and plants obtain those nutrients more easily. When deep root feeding, it may be wise to add a systemic insecticide, which is one that will move from the roots into the trees and plants to kill, control and prevent infestations.
Deep Root Feeding Your Trees and Plants
Deep root feedings are an ideal method of getting nutrients to trees and plants. It doesn't even have to include nutrients. You can deep root feed your plants with a fungicide application or a treatment of insecticide. Whether it's feeding them plant hormones for growth or applying soil conditioners, DRF applications can improve your trees and plants while preventing run-off and nutrient loss.